The holidays are the time of year to keep in touch: phone calls, cards, letters, e-mails, and for some families, the holiday newsletter, the printed history of the past year. Holiday newsletters are fine, but stick to the highlights–most people will be happy to know that you survived knee surgery and are back on the court, but they won’t want to read about your grueling PT sessions. An Emily Post Institute survey showed that people have mixed feelings about receiving newsletters: 53% like them and 47% do not. With that in mind, only enclose newsletters in cards to those you think are interested in hearing your family news.
In addition:
- Share only news that’s positive and not too personal
- Keep your letter to one page or less
- A handwritten salutation (“Dear Karen and Phil”) is warmer than the printed “Dear Friends,” and signing each letter individually personalizes it more.
- Write a one- or two-sentence personal message in the card that accompanies the letter.
- Don’t turn your letter into a brag fest.
